The Fear We Rarely Talk About (But It Might Be the One Holding You Back)

You ever feel that little nudge in your gut? That subtle stirring that says this could actually work and instead of feeling excited, you feel… panic?

Yeah. That.

We talk a lot about fear of failure. It's the classic culprit that keeps us second-guessing, procrastinating, playing small. But today, I want to bring the spotlight to its sneakier cousin: fear of success.

It’s the one we rarely name, mostly because it masquerades as logic:

• “It’s just not the right time.”

• “I should wait until I feel more ready.”

• “I don’t want to come off as too much.”

• “I need to figure out a few more things first.”

But here’s the thing: what if the real fear isn’t that we’ll fall on our face… but that we’ll fly and not know how to hold it all?

That’s what this week’s podcast episode is all about: Fear of Success: What If You’re More Afraid of It Actually Working, Than Failing?

🚨 Signs You Might Be Afraid of Success (Even If You Swear You’re Not)

You might be navigating fear of success if you’ve ever:

• Said “no” to an opportunity that excited you because you didn’t want to carry the weight of expectation

• Held back from posting something powerful because you weren’t sure how people would respond

• Felt a mix of celebration and dread after a promotion or big win

• Thought: What if this works… and I can’t keep up? What if I outgrow the people I love?

Success can sound amazing in theory… until it becomes real.

Because with success often comes visibility, responsibility, judgment, pressure, growth… and change.

🌱 What I’ve Learned About the Fear of Success

In my own life — especially when I left my corporate job to start my business — I expected fear of failure.

What I didn’t expect was the overwhelming fear of success.

What if people actually signed up to work with me?

What if my life changed in ways I couldn’t control?

What if this thing I built actually grew… and I couldn’t go back?

And maybe you’re feeling that too. Not because you’re not capable, but because deep down, you’re afraid of what success might cost you.

Here’s the shift that changed everything for me:

And you don’t have to earn it by hustling yourself into burnout or proving your worth. You simply have to receive it.

💭 3 Questions to Ask Yourself Today

If this post is stirring something in you, here are three reflection questions to sit with (maybe even journal on):

• What parts of success actually feel scary to me?

• What would I lose… and what would I gain by stepping into my next level?

• What do I believe success will require of me — and is that actually true?

These questions aren’t just about mindset. They’re mirrors. And when you’re brave enough to look into them, they’ll show you exactly where you’re being called to grow.

💡 Final Thought: You’re Not Just Afraid of Failing

You might be afraid of becoming the version of you who can actually hold the life you’ve been praying for. And that’s okay. Don’t let that fear keep you from stepping forward.

You don’t have to shrink just because your next level feels bigger than your last.

You were built for this.

🎧 Ready to Go Deeper?

Tune into this week’s episode of Unjuggle the Struggle: Fear of Success: What If You’re More Afraid of It Actually Working, Than Failing?

And if you know your next step is building the purpose-driven business you can’t stop thinking about… let’s talk.→ Apply for coaching here.

You got this, friend.

It’s your time.

-Britt

Want some additional resources?

**Let’s Chat! Complete an Inquiry here and we’ll connect!

**If you’re ready to start building your purpose-driven business the right way—without figuring it out alone—I’ve got something for you:

✨ The Purpose-Driven Business Launchpad: A proven, step-by-step framework to go from idea → validation → ready-for-clients business. (Yes, even if you’re still working full-time.)

Let’s make your next year the one where everything starts to align.

**You’re made for more—let’s explore what that looks like, together. 💛 I'd love to hear about the possibilities you're ready to explore! Email me directly at brittney@brittneytollinchi.com